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You may request your lender to temporarily postpone (defer) your student loan payments for a period of time, for a specific reason. The federal government will pay the interest accrued during periods of deferment for subsidized Federal Stafford Loans. For unsubsidized Federal Stafford and PLUS loans, only the principal is deferred; you are responsible for paying the interest during deferment.
Deferments are not automatic. You must contact your lender as soon as an event occurs that temporarily affects your ability to make your loan payments. Also, you must continue to make your loan payments until deferment is approved.
Deferment Options
For current Federal Stafford loans, six deferment options are available. Each has a specific time limitation associated with it. Mapping Your Future's Deferment Navigator provides charts designed to assist you in determining your deferment eligibility.
| Deferment Options |
Time Limits |
| Enrollment in school at least half time |
No time limit |
| Graduate fellowship |
No time limit |
| Rehabilitation training |
No time limit |
| Unemployment |
36 months |
| Economic hardship |
36 months |
| Military Service |
36 months |
Requesting a Deferment
Deferments are not automatic. To request a deferment you must:
- Contact your lender. Your lender will determine if you are eligible for a deferment. Deferment eligibility is based on the date your first Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loan was disbursed.
- Obtain the proper deferment request form from your lender or Mapping Your Future's Deferment Navigator
- Complete the deferment request form and return it to your lender. (You may request an In-School Deferment without completing a deferment form. See your lender for details.)
- Provide any required, supporting documentation and/or certifications to your lender.
- Continue to make your student loan payments until your deferment request is approved. If you stop making your payments, you may default and lose your deferment eligibility.
Unable to Make Your Payments
If you are unable to make your monthly payments, contact your lender immediately to avoid default by considering alternative repayment options. In addition to loan deferment, forbearance or forgiveness may be options, depending upon your circumstances.
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